Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat
/Most sore throats are from a viral infection from a cold or a flu, but they can also come from a bacterial infection as in the case of strep throat.
The nose and throat are the gateway of infection into the body. At the onset of a scratchy or sore throat taking natural remedy can quickly and effectively relieve the inflammation and prevent more serious infection. The key with any medicinals is to use them appropriately to support the body’s natural healing mechanism.
Most natural remedies are safe to use and effective for children and during pregnancy, but it is always wise to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Classic Chinese herbal remedies from the Han dynasty 200BC-220AD to Qing dynasty 1644-1836 successfully treat sore throats as well as more serious febrile diseases. They are in use today because of their efficacy.
Yin Qiao Ma Bo San: Honeysuckle, Forsythia, and Puffball powder) Treats severe sore throat with difficulty swallowing as with febrile diseases such as covid-19.
Contains: Honeysuckle, Forsythia, burdock root, Belamcanda Rhizome, .Puffball, the fruiting body of mushrooms),
Forsythia: (Lian Qiao)has anti-inflammatory properties and is a main herb in many Chinese herbal formulas involving sore throats and fevers.
Honeysuckle: (Jin Yin Hua) studies show that it has strong anti-viral properties. In chinese herbal medicine honeysuckle is called Jin Yin Hua and is a main herb in many formulas used for prevention and treatment of Covid-19.
Burdock root seed: (Niu Bang Zi) Burdock root is both food and medicine. In Chinese medicine it is called Niu Bang and the seeds Niu Bang Zi are used for treating “heat” conditions such as fever, cough, and a sore, red swollen throat. It is combined with other herbs to create fever formulas and “heat” conditions.
Heat conditions in Chinese medicine are inflammations such as arthritis or infections, in particular studies show that Burdock root is anti-inflammatory and also antioxidant meaning that it is cancer fighting. Research shows that the extracts of burdock root are able to break down the biofilm of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics treatment of bladder infections.
Puffball mushroom(Ma Bo) - Mature fruiting body has many antioxidant properties and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Yin Qiao San: (Honeysuckle and Forsythia powder) Treats fever, headache, cough and sore throat. This is the early stage of getting sick, and patients take it as soon as they feel a little scratchy throat. The chief herbs Honeysuckle and Forsythia.
Research shows this formula is effective for upper respiratory infections and common colds. It is a classic Chinese medicine formula.
Ban Lan Gen and Da Qing Ye: Isatis root and Isatis leaf treat influenza and sore throat. Usually these herbs are part of a formula, but can be found and used as a single herb in a tincture or in a lozenge form in an Asian herbal shop.
Herbs and herbal teas can be brewed alone or in combinations, all one needs is hot water and let them steep. Teas can also be stored in the refrigerator as a cold beverage.
Peppermint tea: Helps with digestion and the menthol in peppermint helps with opening the sinuses. In Chinese herbal medicine it is called Bo He and is a chief herb for sinus and throat formulas.
Dandelion flower tea: Sore throats and mastitis, it is also good for “heat” conditions such as bladder infections and inflammation. In Chinese herbal medicine it is called Pu Gong Ying and is used in formulas for breast tenderness and mastitis with breastfeeding and detoxing the liver. Studies show that dandelion also helps with liver function and has anti-diabetic effects which helps with blood sugar regulation.
Honeysuckle: Use for sinus upper respiratory tract infections including colds, influenza, pneumonia, digestive disorders and studies show that it has strong anti-viral properties. In Chinese herbal medicine honeysuckle is called Jin Yin Hua and is a main herb in many formulas used for prevention and treatment of Covid-19.
Chrysanthemum flower tea: Is used traditionally for summer teas and is as popular as green tea. It is called Ju Hua in Chinese medicine and studies show that it can help reduce inflammation, extracts of chrysanthemum show that it can help with osteoporosis. Similar to Dandelion Ju Hua also can relieve liver toxicity by “cooling” the blood.
Gargling with apple cider vinegar and warm salt water. Vinegar and salt water can help relieve swollen and inflamed tissue in the throat and break up mucus. Both vinegar and salt create an environment that is unfriendly to bacteria that may be causing the inflammation. They both disrupt the biofilms formed by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in warm water with salt, gargle 20-30 seconds then spit.
Honey, Lemon and Ginger for a Sore throat: I recommend to my patients Manuka honey to add to their tea with lemon and ginger. Manuka honey comes from the flowers of Manuka shrub that are in the Tea Tree family that have stronger antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties than average honey.
